My Column

We should get behind vision Now

  • Date: Monday 16th April 2018
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I couldn’t help but sit up and take notice of the ‘Scotland is Now’ campaign, which launched globally last week to champion the country’s openness to all.

It’s the first ever joint initiative between the Scottish Government, VisitScotland, Scottish Development International and Universities Scotland. And it’s all in a bid to support growth in all sectors of the Scottish economy including education, tourism, employment and business.

Ultimately the aim is to position Scotland as the number one global destination – as a place to live, work, study, invest and visit – which is no small feat.

With a £6million starter fund, creation of an augmented reality app and a simultaneous launch in Scotland, England, China and North America, it’s a campaign on an impressive scale.

The initiative is also backed by big Scottish names and businesses such as Harris Tweed, Commonwealth athletes, Josh Littlejohn of Social Bite and some pioneering academics in prosthetics, life science and engineering.

I reckon Scotland has earned the right to flaunt itself on a world stage and shine a spotlight on all the great things it has to offer, and we’ve no shortage of patriotic Scots willing to shout about the country’s successes.

The campaign launch report stated we have more world-class universities per head of our population than almost anywhere else in the world. We also have the highest percentage of international and EU students than anywhere else in the UK.

It’s clear to see we’re attracting applications and, ultimately, producing the thought leaders of the future. 

Tourism is arguably at the heart of this campaign and it’s an industry I believe fuels every part of our economy.

So whether your business is in tourism or not, there’s a chance to capitalise on this spotlight for Scotland and the increased footfall it hopes to see.

As well as expanding business overseas for Scotland, Scotland is Now hopes to attract international students and more migrant talent which is great, although there’s a catch and it conflicts with the recent UK business immigration rules. 

The UK Government’s cap on the number of foreign workers granted a visa has been breached every month of the year so far and as a way to combat this, only companies paying high salaries are approved - £60,000 and above annual salaries to be exact.

Businesses can sponsor overseas staff if they meet all the necessary visa criteria – which gives companies access to specialised staff that aren’t always available within the UK. And ultimately it works in the favour our economy.

Opinions will always to differ on this.  

Some believe it’s essential to attact talent and ensure there are no skills gaps. Meanwhile others believe Scotland must be careful around putting too much strain on services with an influx of new residents.

But whatever your position the Scotland is Now campaign sounds like it might be here to stay and has the potential to contribute to a great legacy for Scotland.

There’s already a lot of backing for the campaign so far and I’d encourage all Scottish businesses to throw their hat in the ring and help make the Scotland is Now campaign a great success that allows all our industry sectors flourish.

Side

It’s concerning to hear more than five shops closed for good each week in Scotland in 2017 – a startling stat!

The research from auditors PwC found fashion outlets, travel agents and banks were the hardest hit, with 290 stores closing last year alone.

In recent years we’ve seen many consumers moving online to buy clothes or pay for holidays, especially around dates like Black Friday and Boxing Day, but the rate of stores closing will certainly worry industry leaders and local communities alike.

Glasgow was worst off with 53 more shops shutting than opening, followed by Edinburgh on 29 and Aberdeen on 16. You only have to take a walk down Scotland’s high streets with their empty shop units to see the devastation this can cause.

So many consumers have now moved online. Look at ASOS reporting profits of £80million last year, an increase of 145 per cent. That’s why more traditional retailers need to get smarter and go the extra mile to generate business in their brick and mortar stores.  

Much of the blame has also been pinned on increasing business rates, the new apprenticeship levy and uncertainty around Brexit, so to my mind, the government really has to step up its efforts in helping businesses to stimulate growth and help overturn the high street slowdown.

Weather in 2018 will not have helped alleviate one of the toughest trading periods Scottish retailers have experienced, with the 'Beast from the East' reportedly costing the local economy over £200million.

It’s tough times for Scotland’s high street, but hopefully we will see a turnaround in fortunes as businesses revise their strategies in the face of online competition.

 

Laugh (118 words)

I laughed at the company in Canada seeking to employ Scottish window cleaners, encouraging them to emigrate.

The only condition is that they need to embrace your roots and kilt up whilst working for the firm.

The Men in Kilts Window Cleaning Company certainly look to be offering a great deal. They’ll pay for a one way ticket to Calgary and promise the chosen candidate will earn around £33,000 per year for the pleasure.

However, the work is seasonal, with window cleaning in the summer and snow removal in the winter.

Perhaps not the best job role for a true Scotsman. It can get a little nippy in Calgary during the snowy season!

 

Cry (131 words)

Whatever you think of Michelle Mone, a mouthpiece of self-publicity or a steely businesswoman who knows how to capitalise on an opportunity – I was saddened to hear Ultimo, the company she launched in 1999, is winding up its business.

Not because I can’t do without their excellent frillys, but it’s always sad to hear of any home-grown business closing and redundancies being made.

Lady Mone has come a long way from her entrepreneurial roots, sitting in the House of Lords and jetting around the world with her billionaire boyfriend.

A far cry from Glasgow’s east end where she grew up.

 

I hope that the 11 Ultimo staff received a satisfactory redundancy package and quickly move into new employment. 

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